Death Toll In Georgian Landslide Reaches 17 As Rescue Efforts Continue

The number of dead as a result of an August 3 landslide in the Georgian resort town of Shovi has been raised to 17, officials said on August 6. Rescue operations continue in the area, and at least 18 people were still listed as missing. Shovi, a mountain spa resort, suffered major damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure as a result of the landslide, hampering rescue efforts. President Salome Zurabishvili expressed her condolences to the families of the dead. Zurabishvili called Georgians on August 4 to unite over a "great tragedy...to help those people overcome an unbearable period." The Georgian Army has joined the rescue operation, and more than 200 people have been evacuated from the disaster area, officials said. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Georgian Service, click here.